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Cardinal pays tribute to former UN special representative for international migration

08/01/2018 11:42 am

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference, has praised the "outstanding contribution to public life" made by Peter Sutherland, the former UN special representative for international migration, who died on 7 January 2018 at St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

Cardinal Nichols said:

"Peter Sutherland was an immensely gifted and principled man, who in an extraordinarily wide ranging career made an outstanding contribution to public life not only in his native Ireland but also in Europe and indeed globally; to the world of business and also to the Catholic Church whose faithful - if not uncritical - servant he always remained.

"As Bishops in England and Wales we are greatly indebted to Peter. He was a close adviser to my predecessor, Cardinal Cormac, and gave generously of his time and money in support of the church’s work both in Ireland and the UK.

"He was always willing to help the Church, whether in the local parish or assisting the Holy See more widely.

"His wisdom, shrewdness and passion for justice were a powerful combination, and he was a fearless and courageous public witness, not least in his work as the UN Secretary General’s special envoy on international migration.